21 Aug 2017 18:15:36
Ed would I be right to assume interest in Luan has gone now and not likely?

Mightyredmen

{Ed002's Note - Probably but if Coutinho were to leave the situation remains it is possible but there is some unravelling to do. Right now it seems he will end up elsewhere but there is an issue regarding a better offer from a club he doesn't want to join.}

How is your man flu mate? I hope youve played on it and made sure youve remained rooted to the sofa giving out orders? Does it affect your legs and arms like it does mine lol🤔.

Any news to spill to us mate? Positive that is.

Mightyredmen

{Ed001's Note - other than I am feeling a little bit better no news sorry mate.}

1.) 15 Aug 2017 14:51:37
Enjoy the lemsip ed! Same old story. I look every day for news but we seem to move so slow in transfer market since early June. The players we've added (who, let's remember, are all very good players, I like the fact we have some ariel threat now as we missed that last year) joined early, which makes me think transfers are done now. Do you still believe we will add more? Any news on PC? Get well soon dude.

{Ed001's Note - we would add more if we could, Klopp wants 2 or 3 more. Nothing new on Couts.}

2.) 15 Aug 2017 16:27:27
Thanks for the reply.
That's good news ed, 2/ 3 I would put either Ward or Karius (which definitely needs another chance. Was class in training) in goal and buy defender midfielder and attacking player.
Think I would pass out if they announced kieta and vvd!

8.) 15 Aug 2017 20:45:13
What are you talking about angelred? Keane did play for us about 9/10 years ago. He was passionate but never really slotted in like he did at spurs. Was exciting to watch though.

I have to say im a little confused why there is hardly a mention of a Coutinho replacement, other than perhaps Keita is house hunting in Liverpool. Is this because the Pod was done prior to pipco's TR?

Mightyredmen

{Ed002's Note - It was done before his request byut I do mention Max Meyer and Diego Laxalt as possibilities.}

1.) 11 Aug 2017 18:43:52
Quick question if we decide not to sell coutinho and he has to put up with it as Liverpool hold all the cards how much can he really force things seen as though it's world cup season so he needs to play and play well really this season in order to make Brazil squad and surely his price tag will still be significant after 1 more season.

Eds as regards to Luan mate, is he being looked at as a winger? I just can't see how we will get him in the team with Salah and Mane fit? He doesn't seem to be a Striker but can play the Number 10 slot.

Also what changed as I can remember you saying forget about Luan signing.

Mightyredmen

{Ed002's Note - The problem in January was the third party ownership - and that still would need to be resolved before any transfer. He can play in pretty much any forward position - but I agree it is hard to see how he would fit in to the first team.}

1.) 11 Aug 2017 10:24:50
Unfortunately Sturridge can't be relied upon to stay fit. He had a slight muscle pull (apparently) 2 weeks ago and is still out. Salah and Mane cannot be expected to play every game so if this lad can play anywhere across the front 3 then it makes sense. And let's not forget Lallana is out for a few months. Cheaper option than the Ox and will no doubt be a squad player.

4.) 11 Aug 2017 10:44:32
Coutinho, Origi, Kent, Woodburn, Sturridge, Firmino, Lallana, Milner can all play wide, Ox can play a number of positions so would be a good squad player but to be honest I think if we get only VVD we have a strong squad.

2.) 04 Aug 2017 18:07:21
Hi eds I have a question. Bare in mind I know very little of how transfers work, my question may sound stupid to you. What say do players have in transfers? For example moreno to watford. If both clubs agree a fee and it all looks set can moreno turn round and say "no, I don't want to play for watford"?

{Ed002's Note - Sure, he has no obligation to sign a contract at all.}

3.) 04 Aug 2017 18:47:31
I see how people may assume AOC would be logical to replace Lallana, ( as he can play wide or central)
However I am not sure how we are short of numbers?
Can, Hendo, Gini, Grujic, Milner and Coutinho. Not to mention the youngsters. chirivella, Ejaria, Woodburn has been played deeper, Ojo has experience in midfield as well as TAA. I'm not sure we're short.

4.) 04 Aug 2017 20:10:22
A player can keep turning down moves then? I thought this must be the case but just wondered. Ultimately it is in a players best interest to move somewhere he will get games. Especially if he has a desire to play for his national team.
Cheers eds.

7.) 04 Aug 2017 21:57:28
For argument sake, take coutinio out. Say he goes. The with lallana out for 3 months. Say then that henderson gets a knock, our midfield starts looking pretty thin. Of course if Phil stays of course we can handle one injury. I'd be pretty chuffed if we didn't pick up a few more. He's undoubtedly one of our best players and he'll be missed, massive cog missing from our engine.

8.) 04 Aug 2017 23:05:07
That is a lot of "ifs and buts" Superred. How's this for another one.
IF we sign AOC, IF we don't sell Couts, IF Hendo stays fit, and IF Lallana comes back early as Klopp has eluded to with his recoveries from previous injuries, then do you expect Can to sign a new contract with all of that in his way AND the fact it's pretty obvious we will go again for if we are indeed defeated this summer?
You see you can't keep adding and adding for ifs and buts.
The Ed's were saying similar when the site was going crazy in January due to ACON when people were expecting a £35mil plus signing because mane was missing for 3 weeks.

10.) 04 Aug 2017 23:39:50
The only way Coutinho leaving even makes sense is if you can replace him with a player that will get you similar numbers (unlikely) and get an upgrade elsewhere on the pitch. I would much prefer he stay the extra year wins us some trophies and we take our time to find a replacement (brandt? ) next season.

{Ed001's Note - our season is not finished. Do you know anything about football? Some of you lot are just embarrassing.}

13.) 05 Aug 2017 02:56:45
I know it's ifs and buts but isn't that what you take into consideration when making plans? I'm only pointing out that our squad isn't quite busting at the seams that the earlier post suggests. I know we have quite a lot of midfielders but if Phil goes and with lallana out for a while we no where near as strong as we looked last week.

15.) 05 Aug 2017 18:26:36
I think our midfield in the squad for today's game is not as strong as I hoped it would be at this point of pre season. The "ifs" and "buts" have already happened. Only can and gini are senior first team regulars. It's fine for a friendly and will give youngsters much needed experience but if we were up against a wily chelsea or man utd side I would be a little concerned. I genuinely believe our first 11 are the best in the league but I think this situation shows us we are still not as strong (in terms of depth) as we could be. Saying that, if grujic takes the bull by the horns this season then that changes things a little. Good luck to him and Kent and the other youngsters today.

16.) 05 Aug 2017 22:25:27
Sorry Superred but we will have to agree to disagree. In your words "lallana is a massive cog missing" and if we sell coutinho who I'd say is our best player, you are not happy with our team?
Please tell me which team in world football would not be weaker without their "midfield cog" and "best player"?
Ridiculous. do you think we have unlimited squad places?

17.) 06 Aug 2017 18:01:24
Im not sure I understand B26? We are much weaker without lallana and coutinio. Of course, I agree. When counting our midfielders I forgot about Milner. With him back in our midfield then we still look pretty strong there. I would still like to see us pick up another midfielder though. There are going to be times when we have players out with injury and with lallana already sidelined for 2/ 3 months we already look to be lacking a bit of attacking potency. We want to win the league, yes? We need depth. If we could find a versatile player who can play all over the top of the park, all the better. Our squad is fantastic, two players away from challengers on all fronts. Imo.

22 Aug 2017 12:35:24
Right. In the Kovacic rumours. If you put his name in the search there is a post from Ed002 stating we have no interest in him. That should put it to bed for everyone, Especially Harry.

Mightyredmen

1.) 22 Aug 2017 16:08:53
Ed02 also has also said targets changes quickly. Kovacic is no new name to liverpool. We almost signed him 3 years ago. The club is looking at Central midfielders and if Keita deal doesn't happen then there is s chance we might look for alternatives.
Wijnaldum was never in our radar last summer nor was Salah or Mane. Things could change very quick especially we are entering into the final week of the window.

2.) 22 Aug 2017 10:46:50
A Spanish newspaper, I can't remember how it's spelt but they believe that we are interested and that he is keen due to the amount of Real Madrid players ahead of him in the central midfield position.

However I wouldn't hold much hope because if I remember rightly Zidane was quoted as saying "no one else is leaving" after the Morata sale.

5.) 22 Aug 2017 11:14:25
A verbal agreement has been agreed according to reports. can't see it myself don't think madrid want to sell but would be a great signing if true. Watched him a fair bit and seems just what we need.

Ed002. I hope you don't mind mate but I read all the pages and i've just read this from the Saints page in responce to them asking if VVD could play for them this season -

{Ed002's Note - The fans will destroy him. He has made it clear that he doesn't want to play for the club, he has not made himself available for selection, he has submitted a transfer request and he has made that public. It is nothing at all to do with any other players. Clubs do not like to have disgruntled players at the club and they know it can be disruptive. }

I just wanted your thoughts please on our Coutinho situation as to me it is exactlt the same. I don't see how he can play for us again for all the reasons youve explained above on VVD?

Appreciate your work mate.

Mightyredmen

{Ed002's Note - We have been through this, why do you want to rake up the extreme unprofessionalism of Liverpool and Klopp and the damage they have done?}

1.) 21 Aug 2017 20:39:03
Owe ok. No I definitely don't want to rake that up again. Im aware of that mate. Was thinking more about Pipco and how the fans, Klopp and the club will forget about his TR and him not wanting to play for us again and put him back in the team.

Dont want to discuss VVD at all ed sorry I wasnt clear. Just trying to weigh up how Couts comes back in, assuming he stays.

3.) 21 Aug 2017 22:19:41
Mighty, Suarez did 5 times worse (bit a player, racially abused a player, took us to a tribunal etc. ) than whatever Cou would ever have done and he was reprimanded, punished, forced to train with the reserves and to apologize publicly. Even he was brought back into the team so of course, there is a way he can reintegrate the group. Klopp knows he need him and he's not stupid. We need him and if you don't think so, just watch the CP game again.

3.) 21 Aug 2017 14:41:55
He won't play against Arsenal or on Wednesday. So we now have a player that is refusung to play for us and wants to leave but we won't sell him. I really don't see what we are going to do with him moving forward, im not sure Klopp can play someone who is not arsed and wants out?

5.) 21 Aug 2017 15:53:06
Fact is on 1st September if he's still here he'll have to apologise and crack on or risk playing with U23s. I think I know what he'll do he can't risk that in a World Cup year. Will the fans forgive him though? Probably not at first but as soon as that first free kick flies into the top corner we'll all be singing his name again. Fickle bunch us footy fans ;-)

7.) 21 Aug 2017 17:23:06
Well, whatever he's going to do, Coutinho needs to make his mind up and get back to being a professional footballer. Aside from all the Liverpool games he's missing (and the havoc he's causing), there's a Brazil qualifier in 10 days time and another in 15 days time. And then another 2 games for Brazil in early October. And, if I'm not mistaken, both he and Firmino have been called up for these games. So he needs to stop the sulk and get back on the training pitch and get himself back into shape. It's life. You win some and you lose some.

I went to the game on Saturday and although we got the 3 points its obvious we need a few improvements.

Defence was solid but was not tested at all due to Palace tactics of trying to spoil us for the entire game. Neiter Matip or Klavan got bullied by Benteke when Palace went long and generally we coped easily. Having said that we will be tested by better teams than Palace and need to improve personel in thr CB area. Full backs in Gomez and Robertson (MOTM) looked good and energetic. We have cover in TAA, Clyne also.

Midfield in Hendo Milner and Gini seem to play far to safe with square passes or backward passes to the defence, not one of the midfield 3 looked to drive forward like Phil does and imo this is an area we must get a player ir 2 in before August the 31st, Especially with Lallana out until Xmas and Phil likely moving on. If we fail to improve this area of the field then we will struggle to penetrate better teams. Emre offers a little more going forward than Hendo but he is mainly another one who sits in the centre and does not penetrate enough.

In the forward areas Firmino is wasted out wide when we accomadate Studge into the team, who I must say looks slow and generally not involved at all. Our best line up is what we saw later in the game when Salah came on with Mane on the left.

All in all a good 3 points but we need to improve with a CB and a CM imo, we are aware of who we are/ was after, I hope we have not left it to late in the window with just 2 weeks left.

Mightyredmen

1.) 21 Aug 2017 11:33:14
I wouldn't mind playing Grujic for one of the CM's and see what he could offer. I agree we might need 2 CM's creative!

3.) 21 Aug 2017 12:04:10
Yeah i know ed001 doesn't like stats all that much but it would be interesting to see how many touches matip and klavan had during the game? I thought the tempo was really slow during the game allowing palace to organise themselves easier and get in a solid shape. Sometimes I wonder why we keep possession for possession stats any maybe learn how to set traps, instead of klavan square ball to matip then to hendo jus to go back to klavan, because if we let the opposition have a bit of security and have the ball we could nick it off em and hit them on a quick counter before the get in there usual solid shape.

7.) 21 Aug 2017 12:45:15
Red phil I watched the whole game pal from Anny road upper. Yes Matip was wrestled to the ground a few times and won free kicks from it but im talking about actual fairly challenged balls and winning the ball back off Benteke and others. Im not saying it was perfect but him and Klavan was in complete control other than the one chance Benteke had.

10.) 21 Aug 2017 17:53:37
Red_Phil, you are simply wrong. Matip and Klavan smothered Benteke almost completely (tho he had the one chance he should have buried) . They both esp. Klavan, were excellent in the air vs Benteke who tried to bully Klavan and just couldn't. Hence, he started elbowing them in the face. When a striker starts doing that then you know he is being bullied. Matip falling on his arse means nothing. What would you do if a striker kept grappling and shoving you, flailing his arm and everything? Our defence was mlore than solid on Sat and kudos to them.

11.) 22 Aug 2017 14:01:55
MRM an BR
What I mean was he did bully them in a sense, because he ran out of options and got piddled off and went crazy on them. I didn’t say they didn’t do well to stop him because they did a fantastic job.
There was a few times I was thinking though Matip should be a bit stronger and try stand his ground.
There is a few teams who are very very physical in a Benteke way with more than just the 1 player doing it and sometimes they get away with it.

21 Aug 2017 20:39:03
Owe ok. No I definitely don't want to rake that up again. Im aware of that mate. Was thinking more about Pipco and how the fans, Klopp and the club will forget about his TR and him not wanting to play for us again and put him back in the team.

Dont want to discuss VVD at all ed sorry I wasnt clear. Just trying to weigh up how Couts comes back in, assuming he stays.

21 Aug 2017 17:24:51
Really? I think we would of made a move before now if we was going to. Why leave it so late in the last 2 weeks of the season? Couts situation has delayed things imo to a point were we have left everything else on hold to concentrate on keeping a player who doesn't want to be here.